The Game: #2 Villanova (2-0) at Penn (0-0)
Location: Franklin Field in Philadelphia, PA
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Broadcast: Comcast Network, ESPN 950-AM
Brief Rundown: Villanova travels in to famed Franklin Field after last week’s home-opening win over Lehigh where the Wildcats racked up over 300 yards on the ground. Villanova leads the all-time series 8-5, and is 7-0 since head coach Andy Talley took over the program. Last year, Villanova won the matchup 20-14 in overtime.
For Penn, WR Kyle Derham and RB Mike DiMaggio are the top returning players on the offensive side of the ball, while LB Jake Lewko is the top returning tackler and the leader of the defense. Coach Al Bagnoli ranks 2nd on the active coaches winning percentage list, and his Penn teams are usually amongst the best in the Ivy League.
3 Keys to Victory:
- Stick with the ground game – As they say, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Villanova tore apart Lehigh on the ground last week, and will most likely attempt to do the same this weekend. Even if it’s not working early, expect a heavy dose of Aaron Ball and Angelo Babbaro.
- Lean on Whitney – It seems like more and more the sophomore QB is getting the reigns of the Villanova offense. Quietly, he’s making a name for himself by efficiently running a vaunted Villanova attack. If this game is close down the stretch, don’t be afraid to give him the ball.
- Crowd support – The first two weeks have gotten good reviews from the ‘Nova staff about the attendance levels, so hopefully the students and alumni make the short trip to inner-Philly in droves to support the ‘Cats. Those are the things that can help good teams out in tough road spots.
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